8-year-old boy trampled by cow in Massachusetts identified

GEORGETOWN, Mass. (AP) — Authorities have identified the 8-year-old Massachusetts boy who was trampled to death while helping his father with the family's cows.

The Essex District Attorney's Office on Sunday identified the boy as George Carter.

Authorities say the boy and his father, Peter Carter, were exercising some of the family's 24 cows at their home in Georgetown when one cow apparently became startled and trampled George. It happened just before 1 p.m. Saturday.

The boy was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Massachusetts State Police are investigating the death.

Peter Carter raises the cows for beef. Authorities say the cows have passed all routine inspections in accordance with local town ordinances.

Georgetown is in northeastern Massachusetts, about 30 miles from Boston.